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You’re not alone in facing problems with conception. Several factors can cause it, but in 25-30% of cases a reason can’t be found even after the most thorough investigations. This is because some of the factors can’t be assessed.

The most common causes of infertility in women are to do with ovulation (the body does not release eggs naturally) or issues with the fallopian tubes, while in men it is issues with the quality or ability of the sperm.

Weight
Being overweight or obese reduces both male and female fertility. If you’re a woman and overweight, it can affect ovulation. Being underweight can also affect fertility, particularly for women who are not ovulating because they’re severely underweight.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Several STIs can cause infertility. For example, chlamydia can damage the fallopian tubes in women and cause swelling and tenderness of the scrotum (the pouch containing the testes) in men.

Smoking
As well as affecting your general and long-term health, smoking can also adversely affect fertility. Try quitting smoking.

Stress
If either you or your partner are stressed it may affect your relationship. Stress can contribute to a loss of libido (sex drive) and can reduce the frequency of sexual intercourse. Severe stress may also affect female ovulation and limit sperm production.

Investigations to help find the right treatment for you
Your consultant will carry out a series of investigations to find out the cause of infertility and the subsequent planning of the treatment cycle. This will help us to diagnose the cause of infertility, (if there is one) and the right course of treatment.